Flowers Hall versus other gyms in ASUN

[pinestreet]

I caught a lot of Florida Gulf Coast bball games on ESPN3 during the season. They have an exceptional gym with corporate name sponsor (Alico Arena). Looks really good during broadcast.

Google tour of dunkcity

Flowers Hall isn't even close. I hope the leaking roof has at least been fixed since my days at UNA.

[pinestreet]

The 5,500 seat, Allen Arena serves as the hub for the Lipscomb University Athletics department.

[pinestreet]

Edmunds Center - Stetson University.........Flowers is on par with this one.

[brandon]

Check out Kennesaw, it's cool too. SC Upstate has a gym that reminds me of West Alabama. From what I have been told, Flowers Hall is fixing to have major renovations done. I was told all chair back seats and a lot different look. Things are coming, just have patience.

[unafied]

As a big basketball fan, I'd say we are definitely lacking at the moment compared to our conference-mates.

Some of you may have read in the TimesDaily, as Brandon referred to above, that Flowers will be renovated. Mark Linder has said we will have around 2200 seats which is "ideal" for us. I strongly disagree with that statement. Yes, we live in a football state, but I don't see it being unrealistic to attract more than 2200 fans to a UNA basketball game if a.) we are playing a more attractive schedule than in D2, and of course b.) we start to win some games again.

The "agricultural arena" that is getting closer and closer to a done deal is the real wild card here. I just don't see a scenario where something like that, with a supposed capacity of 10,000, is built in Florence without UNA taking advantage of it. Now if less than 2200 people show up it might look awful empty on TV, but I suppose we could get creative with seat coverings, or curtaining off certain sections, etc. But you don't just have a modern arena sitting across town and not use it (partly because I'm skeptical they can find enough events to get consistent use out of it, but I digress...).

If I were in control of things, I would certainly do what's necessary to play the majority of home games in that arena if/when it gets built (and I personally think that's the plan). You might do a "throwback" game or two each year at Flowers against a non-conference opponent, but that's it. Now, I would allow the women and the volleyball teams to keep Flowers. I think an intimate arena is a great idea for giving fans of both sports a better environment to watch games in. You could always move games to the new arena if ticket demand got to that point. And I hope that isn't taken as somehow downplaying the significance of women's sports. I honestly believe having a renovated Flowers mostly to themselves would be good for both of the two teams I mentioned.

I don't like the idea of games being played that far off-campus, but it is what it is. I have some ideas on how to help with that, but this post is probably too long already.

[brandon]

I have been told two ways on the 2200 seat capacity of Flowers, one board member said it is a typo, the other said it's probably accurate. I say 4000 is ideal until we prove we can win consistent in D1. As for the new arena, if we are doing well, and we play an SEC school, any other well "Major College" or host the A-Sun tournament, I could see 10000 being about right. I myself don't mind not being on campus for sports, especially Basketball, as long as the atmosphere is good.